Located in the heart of the city, St Andrew's Cathedral, Singapore is normally an oasis of calm in the cosmopolitan city state Singapore.

Lately she has been a hive of activity as she prepares for the 4th Anglican Global South to South Encounter. The organizers may be feeling like they are at the centre of rush hour traffic as the numerous aspects of the Encounter compete for attention. The most chaos is experienced by those handling travels and accomodations.

Most of the 130 primates, bishops, clergy, senior lay leaders, associates and observers have arrived in for the 5-day Encounter which starts today, Monday 19th April. Yesterday, some have preached or worshipped at the Cathedral and parishes across the island. This morning, some are being welcomed at the Trinity Theological College and taken on a tour of her work.

A few have been stranded or delayed due to last week's global "ash-ed Wednesday". One key Primate who has been delayed is Abp Henry Orombi, along with some other UK participants. We are saddened by their absence and will contnue to pray for the travel chaos to be resolved. What has not been ashed out is a short video message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, which had arrived through the Net. This will be screened on Tuesday morning.

Certainly as we gather in prayer, we are being reminded of how fragile our world is.

We ask for prayers as the conference opens today. In the next few days, delegates will be gathering around the three themes: 'The Gospel of Jesus Christ,' 'Covenant for the Peoples' and 'Light for the Nations.'

Global South Anglican News wil be releasing daily reports, messages and videos. Some other Anglican medias are also present and they will be covering the Encounter as well.